Peace mediators say they have received reports of heavy fighting in two states of South Sudan and they have condemned the violence.

“The IGAD Special Envoys for South Sudan strongly condemn reports of heavy fighting in Nassir, Upper Nile State, and near Bentiu, Unity State, South Sudan,” reads a statement issued late yesterday.

The envoys called on the warring parties to “demonstrate restraint and immediately cease hostilities, in line with their repeated pledges to end the war.”

According to the statement, the latest commitment by the parties to an “unconditional, complete and immediate end to all hostilities” was made at the IGAD summit meeting on 7 November.

“It is the clear expectation, and plea of the IGAD Special Envoys, that this commitment is fully respected.”

IGAD Monitoring and Verification Teams have been instructed to investigate these latest incidents and determine responsibility for the violations, the statement said.

Also the envoys of the Easter African regional bloc called for more international “pressure” on the warring parties to commit to the ongoing peace process and end hostilities. 

File photo: IGAD Special Envoy Gen. (ret.) Lazaro Sumbeiywo